§ MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended in the case of the repatriated Chinamen to compensate mineowners for the outlays incurred in the terms of the contracts already entered into and for any damage they may claim to sustain by the loss of such labour; and, if so, will the Government consider the advisability of charging such compensation, if admitted, against 501 the £30,000,000 promised by the mine-owners of the Transvaal; and, if not, from what fund will the necessary expenses be drawn.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe right of Chinamen to be repatriated upon payment being tendered of the cost of their passages out and home is within a strict interpretation of Clause 14 of the Labour Ordinance. The payment of the cost of the passage from China is compensation for outlays, but no further claim for compensation on the part of mine-owners affected can arise.
§ MR. DALZIELasked out of what funds the passages would be paid.
MR. CHUECHILLIt has already been stated by the Prime Minister in the debate on the Address that the funds for enabling Chinamen who have not the necessary £17 10s. to return to their homes will be provided out of Imperial fluids.
§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)What date will the supplementary estimate be introduced?
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)Will it be as soon as the £30,000,000 are paid?
§ [No Answer was returned.]